HTC Hero smartphone

Photo: Strubbl via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

HTC

HTC Hero

July 2009 7/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The HTC Hero, launched in July 2009, was a groundbreaking Android smartphone that introduced the highly influential HTC Sense UI, significantly enhancing the user experience beyond stock Android. It featured a distinctive "chin" design on its GSM variant, a 3.2-inch HVGA display, and a 5-megapixel autofocus camera, marking it as a pioneer in early Android development.
Display3.2-inch HVGA TFT with 65K colors
ChipsetQualcomm MSM7200A
Main Camera5 MP autofocus
Battery1350 mAh removable Li-Ion
Starting from $4,999

💰 HTC Hero Price

The HTC Hero lowest price is $4,999, based on current retailer listings.

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📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeTFT capacitive touchscreen, 65K colors
Size3.2 inches
Resolution320 x 480 pixels (HVGA)
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass (mentioned in GSMArena summary)

Platform

OSAndroid 1.5 (Cupcake), upgradable to 2.1 (Eclair) with HTC Sense UI
ChipsetQualcomm MSM7200A
CPU528 MHz ARM 11
GPUAdreno 130

Memory

Card slotmicroSDHC (dedicated slot), supports up to 32GB
Internal288MB RAM, 512MB ROM (165MB for applications)

Main Camera

Single5 MP, autofocus
FeaturesGeo-tagging
Video144p, CIF (352 x 288 pixels)

Selfie Camera

SingleNo

Battery

TypeRemovable Li-Ion
Capacity1350 mAh (GSM version)
Stand-byUp to 440 h (2G) / Up to 420 h (3G)
Talk timeUp to 8 h (2G) / Up to 7 h (3G)

Body

Dimensions112 x 56.2 x 14.4 mm (4.41 x 2.21 x 0.57 in)
Weight135 g (4.76 oz)
BuildPlastic body, some versions with Teflon coating
SIMMini-SIM

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g
Bluetooth2.0 with A2DP, EDR
PositioningGPS, A-GPS
USBExtUSB (miniUSB compatible)

Launch

Announced2009, June
Released2009, July

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Pioneering HTC Sense UI for an enhanced Android experience
  • Included a 3.5mm headphone jack, a welcome addition at the time
  • Multi-touch support for improved navigation
  • Solid build quality, with some models featuring a Teflon coating
  • Expandable storage via microSD

Cons

  • Outdated Android version (1.5/2.1) with no modern app support
  • Low resolution display by modern standards
  • Limited internal storage for applications
  • Slow processor compared to contemporary devices
  • No front-facing camera
★ Our Verdict

The HTC Hero earns a 7 for its groundbreaking introduction of HTC Sense UI, multi-touch, and a 3.5mm jack, significantly advancing the early Android experience despite its now-outdated hardware.

The HTC Hero is no longer a viable smartphone for daily use due to its extremely outdated operating system, lack of modern app compatibility, and slow performance. It is best considered a collector's item for enthusiasts of early Android history or those interested in the evolution of smartphone design and user interfaces. If purchasing, prioritize units in excellent cosmetic condition, ideally with original packaging and accessories, as these will hold more value for display or historical preservation. Be aware that finding functional batteries or replacement parts will be challenging, and network compatibility for calls and data will be severely limited or non-existent on modern networks.

Reviewed by the infozme.com Editorial Team — see how we research & rate phones.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • HTC Hero Handset
  • Battery
  • Charger
  • USB Cable
  • Wired Headset
  • User Manual

Original manufacturer warranties for the HTC Hero are long expired due to its age.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the HTC Hero released?

The HTC Hero was initially released in July 2009, with a Sprint version following in October 2009.

What was special about the HTC Hero?

The HTC Hero was notable for being the first HTC phone to feature the HTC Sense user interface, offering a significantly enhanced Android experience, and was also one of the first Android devices to include multi-touch capabilities and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Can the HTC Hero run modern apps?

No, the HTC Hero runs on a very old version of Android (1.5 Cupcake, upgradable to 2.1 Eclair) and cannot run modern applications or access current app stores.

Does the HTC Hero have a front camera?

No, the HTC Hero does not feature a front-facing camera.

What is the "chin" design of the HTC Hero?

The "chin" refers to the distinctive upward curve at the bottom of the original GSM HTC Hero, which housed physical buttons and gave the phone a unique ergonomic feel. The Sprint version notably removed this design element.

Is the HTC Hero still usable on modern networks?

While it supports 2G and 3G bands, its compatibility with modern cellular networks for calls and data will be extremely limited or non-existent, as many carriers have phased out older network technologies.